Grant's Perspective on ... the New Year
As we are into the last week of the year, I pause to thank my clients, co-workers and all the other people that drop by to read my blog.
I will be back next week with all things wonderful in the world of AV.
Best wishes for 2010.
Grant
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Preparing For a Job Interview Via Videoconference
Grant's Perspective on ... what an HR videoconference is like.
I often see nervous-looking people in the reception lobby at Inland AV who are here to use our videoconference suite for a job interview. They are nervous about the job interview as well as nervous about using a videoconference suite for the first time.
This short, light-hearted look at a job interview using videoconferencing posted on YouTube by the eye network offers some practical tips as well as demonstrates how a videoconference works. Being aware of where the microphone is so that you avoid making extraneous noise or that you delay phoning your Mom until the call is actually over are humourous points but they can happen.
Grant
Grant
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Epson Announces Two New Ultra-Short Throw Projectors
Grant's Perspective on ... the Epson PowerLite 450, 460 Ultra-Short Throw Projectors
Epson has announced 2 new PowerLite series of 3LCD projectors for release early in 2010. This projector is an ideal fit for many classroom and training rooms where space is an issue. The projector is designed to be mounted very close to a wall and can project a 60" image with only 18 inches of distance. The 460 model delivers 3,000 lumens of white light output and 3,000 Colour Light Output.
Epson has announced 2 new PowerLite series of 3LCD projectors for release early in 2010. This projector is an ideal fit for many classroom and training rooms where space is an issue. The projector is designed to be mounted very close to a wall and can project a 60" image with only 18 inches of distance. The 460 model delivers 3,000 lumens of white light output and 3,000 Colour Light Output.
With features such as USB computer connections and a microphone input, I can't wait for their release next month!
Grant
Friday, December 11, 2009
Cost of Commuting & Videoconferencing
Grant's Perspective on ... the cost of commuting to and from home and work and building a case for videoconferencing.
The Inland AV website just posted a cool application that provides an approximate cost of commuting to and from work. It is really easy and fast. Just enter in the currency that you want to use (US Dollar, British Pound or the Euro, sorry the Canadian version is not yet available), enter in your cost for fuel, the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and the distance traveled.
The results show the financial and environmental cost of commuting.
Registration is not required, give it a try!
Grant
The Inland AV website just posted a cool application that provides an approximate cost of commuting to and from work. It is really easy and fast. Just enter in the currency that you want to use (US Dollar, British Pound or the Euro, sorry the Canadian version is not yet available), enter in your cost for fuel, the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and the distance traveled.
The results show the financial and environmental cost of commuting.
Registration is not required, give it a try!
Grant
Friday, December 4, 2009
Ballroom System Update
Grant's Perspective on ... better pictures of the Viscount Gort ballroom hidden AV system
I posted yesterday on the new hidden AV installation at the Viscount Gort Hotel. Here are some better photos of the finished project. A shot of the projector lift lowered, the recessed projection screen and the happy hotel staff with the rack.
Grant
I posted yesterday on the new hidden AV installation at the Viscount Gort Hotel. Here are some better photos of the finished project. A shot of the projector lift lowered, the recessed projection screen and the happy hotel staff with the rack.
Grant
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Viscount Gort Hidden AV
Grant's Perspective on ... projector lifts in the Viscount Gort ballroom
My last post asked people if they think that hiding the AV equipment is important. This week I'm at the Viscount Gort Hotel going over the final details of the audiovisual installation portion of their recent major expansion and renovation. They have included three infrared projector lifts as a part of the banquet room design to hide projectors when not in use. In this case it is for more than aesthetics, theirs is a multi-purpose ballroom and the lift helps protect the projector when it is not in use.
Here is a grainy picture (sorry just had my cell with me) that I snapped of one of the Inland AV service technicians installing the lift.
This is a great example of how hidden AV is becoming standard practice. Remember to vote on our importance of hidden AV poll, over on the right hand side of this page.
Grant
My last post asked people if they think that hiding the AV equipment is important. This week I'm at the Viscount Gort Hotel going over the final details of the audiovisual installation portion of their recent major expansion and renovation. They have included three infrared projector lifts as a part of the banquet room design to hide projectors when not in use. In this case it is for more than aesthetics, theirs is a multi-purpose ballroom and the lift helps protect the projector when it is not in use.
Here is a grainy picture (sorry just had my cell with me) that I snapped of one of the Inland AV service technicians installing the lift.
This is a great example of how hidden AV is becoming standard practice. Remember to vote on our importance of hidden AV poll, over on the right hand side of this page.
Grant
Friday, November 27, 2009
Hide Or Not To Hide AV Equipment Poll
Grant's Perspective on ... hiding the AV equipment in your executive boardroom. What is your preference?
When I speak of hidden AV, what I refer to is basically an AV system that is completely out of site when not in use. Projectors (See projector lift picture below) & projection screens are stowed into the ceiling and behind closed doors, monitors lift up into the ceiling or down into the millwork or furniture, audio speakers are the kind that are built into the wall or ceiling panel - virtually invisible, microphones are raised into the ceiling, AV connectivity is hidden in custom millwork enclosures, wireless control panel is docked into a cabinet, and the equipment rack is behind custom millwork or in an adjoining room. Out of site and out of mind but ready for action when required.
So let’s say your executive boardroom is being renovated. What is your level or requirement to have hidden AV? Please see the poll on the right and select the one that best describes your preference.
Grant
When I speak of hidden AV, what I refer to is basically an AV system that is completely out of site when not in use. Projectors (See projector lift picture below) & projection screens are stowed into the ceiling and behind closed doors, monitors lift up into the ceiling or down into the millwork or furniture, audio speakers are the kind that are built into the wall or ceiling panel - virtually invisible, microphones are raised into the ceiling, AV connectivity is hidden in custom millwork enclosures, wireless control panel is docked into a cabinet, and the equipment rack is behind custom millwork or in an adjoining room. Out of site and out of mind but ready for action when required.
So let’s say your executive boardroom is being renovated. What is your level or requirement to have hidden AV? Please see the poll on the right and select the one that best describes your preference.
Grant
Thursday, November 19, 2009
How Long To Change a Projector Lamp
Grant's Perspective on ... How many AV technicians does it take to change a light bulb?????
Only one, but first (tongue planted firmly in cheek)...
The tech takes twice as long to get there because the boardroom with the projector that needs the lamp changed is located in downtown Anycity, it's rush hour, and that is the only time the client had the room available for service. An extra 20 minutes.
The Tech can't find parking....streets are closed due to construction, parking lots are full ...... another 10 minutes.
Upon arrival the room in unavailable. Despite being booked at this time for this service call, someone saw the previous meeting ending and took over the room. The tech eventually hears, "They'll only be about 15 minutes. You can wait right?" Another 30 minutes.
Upon entry into the room the tech learns the projector can't be removed from its' mount as someone has decided to install security screws to keep other employees from removing the projector to take home to watch "the game". Another 15 minutes for the receptionist to call the person who knows who the person is, who has the tool required to remove the security screws. However that person learns the tool isn't stored where they thought it was - another 6 minutes.
Time to replace the projector lamp. But look in the lamp box, there is a notice from the manufacturer advising the firmware of the projector must be upgraded to accommodate the new energy efficient lamp they are now using. OK that's a good thing to be Green. So now, back to the truck to get the laptop so the tech can go to the manufacturers website and download the firmware - 10 minutes up & down the elevator, to & from the truck.
Time to download the new firmware but the Tech can't use the LAN in the boardroom due to security reasons and the wireless connection required a security key - the IT guy wasn't found anywhere - 15 minutes.
Finally the Tech saves some time due to being well prepared by having the special cable required to connect the laptop to the projector. Pass GO and collect $200.00! But then the tech checks both the work and home e-mail accounts and then Facebook to see what's new before shutting off the laptop. (The Tech feels justified as it's another day without lunch) Another 4 minutes.
The projector lamp is now in and the projector installed in the mount. The CEO pops in and thanks the tech for coming down on short notice and requests a system test to ensure the entire system is functioning for a meeting occurring first thing the next day. Understood - piece of mind is a good thing. The CEO goes to get the person who will be having that meeting, and their laptop. Another 10 minutes.
They realize they do not have an interconnect cable to connect their laptop to the input on the table. There isn't a cable in the room as it must have "walked off". The tech offers his own cable but he donated it to someone at another company who didn't have a cable and was about to start a meeting. Another 10 minutes to find someone who should have a cable. The only other employee now remaining in the office is the Marketing Guy (very strange indeed) - he uses an iMac desktop and therefore doesn't have a cable. One is eventually found in a closet. Another 5 minutes.
The thorough Tech checks the audio as well. No Audio. The laptop works and the control system reads 80% on the volume control. Back in the equipment rack the Tech discovers someone has re-routed some cables. The Tech wonders if the person who did this has ever gone under the hood of their car and re-routed various hoses and wires. What seemed like only 1 minute was actually another 10 minutes.
The system now works and therefore time to go. But first the Tech must listen to the story about how the guest speaker at the last AGM wore their lapel mic into the washroom and everyone heard "everything". Another 10 minutes
Back at the ranch your manager wants to know why it took so much more time than what the service charge is for replacing a projector lamp. Another 10 minutes....
Total time to replace a lamp - 166 minutes!
Coming soon, why did the Tech cross the road?
Only one, but first (tongue planted firmly in cheek)...
The tech takes twice as long to get there because the boardroom with the projector that needs the lamp changed is located in downtown Anycity, it's rush hour, and that is the only time the client had the room available for service. An extra 20 minutes.
The Tech can't find parking....streets are closed due to construction, parking lots are full ...... another 10 minutes.
Upon arrival the room in unavailable. Despite being booked at this time for this service call, someone saw the previous meeting ending and took over the room. The tech eventually hears, "They'll only be about 15 minutes. You can wait right?" Another 30 minutes.
Upon entry into the room the tech learns the projector can't be removed from its' mount as someone has decided to install security screws to keep other employees from removing the projector to take home to watch "the game". Another 15 minutes for the receptionist to call the person who knows who the person is, who has the tool required to remove the security screws. However that person learns the tool isn't stored where they thought it was - another 6 minutes.
Time to replace the projector lamp. But look in the lamp box, there is a notice from the manufacturer advising the firmware of the projector must be upgraded to accommodate the new energy efficient lamp they are now using. OK that's a good thing to be Green. So now, back to the truck to get the laptop so the tech can go to the manufacturers website and download the firmware - 10 minutes up & down the elevator, to & from the truck.
Time to download the new firmware but the Tech can't use the LAN in the boardroom due to security reasons and the wireless connection required a security key - the IT guy wasn't found anywhere - 15 minutes.
Finally the Tech saves some time due to being well prepared by having the special cable required to connect the laptop to the projector. Pass GO and collect $200.00! But then the tech checks both the work and home e-mail accounts and then Facebook to see what's new before shutting off the laptop. (The Tech feels justified as it's another day without lunch) Another 4 minutes.
The projector lamp is now in and the projector installed in the mount. The CEO pops in and thanks the tech for coming down on short notice and requests a system test to ensure the entire system is functioning for a meeting occurring first thing the next day. Understood - piece of mind is a good thing. The CEO goes to get the person who will be having that meeting, and their laptop. Another 10 minutes.
They realize they do not have an interconnect cable to connect their laptop to the input on the table. There isn't a cable in the room as it must have "walked off". The tech offers his own cable but he donated it to someone at another company who didn't have a cable and was about to start a meeting. Another 10 minutes to find someone who should have a cable. The only other employee now remaining in the office is the Marketing Guy (very strange indeed) - he uses an iMac desktop and therefore doesn't have a cable. One is eventually found in a closet. Another 5 minutes.
The thorough Tech checks the audio as well. No Audio. The laptop works and the control system reads 80% on the volume control. Back in the equipment rack the Tech discovers someone has re-routed some cables. The Tech wonders if the person who did this has ever gone under the hood of their car and re-routed various hoses and wires. What seemed like only 1 minute was actually another 10 minutes.
The system now works and therefore time to go. But first the Tech must listen to the story about how the guest speaker at the last AGM wore their lapel mic into the washroom and everyone heard "everything". Another 10 minutes
Back at the ranch your manager wants to know why it took so much more time than what the service charge is for replacing a projector lamp. Another 10 minutes....
Total time to replace a lamp - 166 minutes!
Coming soon, why did the Tech cross the road?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL Earns Hot Product Award
Grant's Perspective on ...ProjectorReviews.com likes the new Epson Z8000.
Inland AV has a Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta exclusive on the new Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL LCD projector. When you have an exclusive on a product it is great when people like ProjectorReviews.com bestow their Hot Product award to the latest Epson projector.
Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL
- Only WUGA (1920 x 1200), 3LCD projector available.
- 6000 lumens color light output, 6000 lumens white light output,
- C2Fine technology, up to 5000:1 contrast ratio, auto iris, cinema filter
- motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift controllable through the remote, RS-232 or IP
- 10,000-hour filter cleaning schedule and easy, side-access filter, easy access to dual lamp housing
This projector will be right at home in large venues!
Grant
Inland AV has a Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta exclusive on the new Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL LCD projector. When you have an exclusive on a product it is great when people like ProjectorReviews.com bestow their Hot Product award to the latest Epson projector.
Epson PowerLite Pro Z8000WUNL
- Only WUGA (1920 x 1200), 3LCD projector available.
- 6000 lumens color light output, 6000 lumens white light output,
- C2Fine technology, up to 5000:1 contrast ratio, auto iris, cinema filter
- motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift controllable through the remote, RS-232 or IP
- 10,000-hour filter cleaning schedule and easy, side-access filter, easy access to dual lamp housing
This projector will be right at home in large venues!
Grant
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Webcasting Return On Investment Calculator
Grant's Perspective on ... adding webcasting to live events.
The Inland AV Rentals division clients have been adding webcasting to extend the reach of their events.
This is a great way to get more out of a live event. Many people do not attend an event because it is too far away or they are already booked at that specific time. People that can't travel to the live event can still participate online, watch the presentation, see the PowerPoint slides and even ask some questions. Those that are not available for the live event can still watch the archived presentation.
Our website guy recently added a Webcasting Return On Investment Calculator that shows a comparison of the cost per person to put on a live event and a webcast. Here is a screen shot of the page.
Webcasting is another example of improved communication from technology integration!
Grant
The Inland AV Rentals division clients have been adding webcasting to extend the reach of their events.
This is a great way to get more out of a live event. Many people do not attend an event because it is too far away or they are already booked at that specific time. People that can't travel to the live event can still participate online, watch the presentation, see the PowerPoint slides and even ask some questions. Those that are not available for the live event can still watch the archived presentation.
Our website guy recently added a Webcasting Return On Investment Calculator that shows a comparison of the cost per person to put on a live event and a webcast. Here is a screen shot of the page.
Webcasting is another example of improved communication from technology integration!
Grant
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